Physical Therapist in Cedar Rapids, IA

The Salary Picture: Where Cedar Rapids Stands

As a Physical Therapist (PT) considering Cedar Rapids, the first thing to understand is the local compensation landscape. It’s solid and, more importantly, the cost of living here makes your dollar stretch further than in many other markets. The median salary for a Physical Therapist in the Cedar Rapids metro area is $96,718/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $46.5/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $99,710/year, but that figure is heavily skewed by high-cost coastal cities like San Francisco, New York, and Boston. When you adjust for our local economy, the salary is strong.

The job market is stable but not explosive. There are an estimated 271 jobs for PTs in the metro, and the 10-year job growth projection is a healthy 14%. This growth is driven by an aging population and a continued emphasis on non-invasive, cost-effective rehabilitation. You won’t see the frantic hiring booms of tech hubs, but you’ll find consistent demand, especially in orthopedics, outpatient clinics, and home health.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on experience level. Note that these are estimates based on local market data, BLS trends, and regional employer postings.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Cedar Rapids)
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$78,000 - $88,000
Mid-Career (3-9 years)	$90,000 - $105,000
Senior (10-15 years)	$100,000 - $115,000
Expert/Clinical Lead (15+ years)	$110,000 - $125,000+

Insider Tip: Salaries in the Cedar Rapids metro can vary by a few thousand dollars between the eastern side (Cedar Rapids proper) and the western side (Marion, Hiawatha). The higher-end salaries are often found in private practice or specialty orthopedic clinics, while hospital-based roles might start lower but offer robust benefits and pension plans.

For context, let’s compare Cedar Rapids to other major Iowa cities. The data shows Cedar Rapids is competitive within the state.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)
Cedar Rapids	$96,718	90.0
Des Moines	$98,120	92.5
Iowa City	$95,500	95.0
Davenport (Quad Cities)	$94,800	87.0

While Des Moines offers a slightly higher median salary, its cost of living is also higher. Iowa City, home to the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, has a slightly lower salary but a notably higher cost of living due to the university economy. The Quad Cities offer a lower salary but also a lower cost of living. Cedar Rapids lands in the sweet spot: a strong salary relative to the cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what it means for your monthly life. Let’s break down a take-home budget for a PT earning the median salary of $96,718/year.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $96,718 / 12 = $8,059.83
• Taxes (Estimated): ~28% (Federal + State + FICA). This is a conservative estimate for a single filer in this bracket. Always consult a tax professional.
• Take-Home Pay (after taxes): ~$5,800/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Apt)	$716	City average. Can be as low as $600 in older areas or as high as $1,000 in new builds.
Utilities (Electric/Gas/Water/Sewer)	$150 - $200	Varies by season. Winters can be cold.
Internet	$60 - $80	Providers like Mediacom and CenturyLink are standard.
Groceries	$400 - $500	For one person.
Car Payment/Transportation	$400 - $600	Most residents need a car. Insurance is reasonable (~$100/month).
Health Insurance (Employer Share)	$200 - $400	Highly dependent on your employer's plan.
Student Loans	$300 - $600	Varies widely. PTs often have significant graduate debt.
Discretionary/Entertainment	$500 - $800	Dining out, hobbies, local events.
Savings/Retirement	$500 - $1,000	Crucial. Aim for 15% of gross.
Total Estimated Expenses	$3,226 - $4,296
Remaining (Buffer)	$1,504 - $2,574

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. This is one of Cedar Rapids' biggest advantages. The median home price in the Cedar Rapids metro is approximately $215,000. With a 20% down payment ($43,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates (~6.5%) would have a monthly payment of around $1,100 (including property taxes and insurance). This is very manageable on a PT's salary, especially if you have a dual-income household. Many PTs in the area buy homes within 3-5 years of moving here, a feat that would be impossible in much of the country.

Where the Jobs Are: Cedar Rapids's Major Employers

The Cedar Rapids healthcare ecosystem is robust, anchored by a major university hospital and several large private systems. Here are the key employers you need to know:

1. Mercy Medical Center (Part of CommonSpirit Health): The largest employer in the city. Their PT department is huge, covering inpatient rehab, outpatient orthopedics, sports medicine, and home health. They have a strong reputation and offer extensive benefits. Hiring trends: consistent, with a focus on residency programs for new grads and specialty certifications for experienced PTs.

2. UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital: The other major hospital system. Similar scope to Mercy, with excellent orthopedic and sports rehab programs. They are known for a collaborative culture and invest in continuing education. Hiring is steady; they often have openings in their outpatient clinics and inpatient rehab units.

3. University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (UI Health Care): While the main campus is in Iowa City (45 minutes south), UI has a significant outpatient presence in Cedar Rapids, particularly in the NewBo and Collins Road areas. They are a leader in research and specialty care (neuro, pediatrics). Jobs here are competitive and often require or prefer a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and a clinical residency.

4. Oral Surgery & Orthopedic Associates (OSOA): A large, multi-specialty private practice with a major physical therapy wing. They handle a high volume of post-surgical orthopedic cases (joints, spine, sports). This is a great place for PTs who enjoy a fast-paced, musculoskeletal-focused environment. They have multiple locations across the metro.

5. Physician's Clinic of Iowa (PCI): Another large multi-specialty group with an integrated PT department. They treat a broad patient population, including orthopedics, vestibular, and pelvic health. They have a strong focus on outpatient care and are known for their modern facilities.

6. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Visiting Nurse Association of Iowa, LHC Group): A significant and growing sector. Salaries can be higher due to travel and autonomy, but the work-life balance is different. Demand is high, especially for PTs willing to cover the more rural surrounding counties (Linn, Johnson, Benton).

7. Private Practice & Specialty Clinics: Cedar Rapids has a vibrant scene of smaller practices focusing on niche areas like pelvic health (e.g., Cedar Rapids Pelvic Health), pediatric therapy (e.g., Therapy Works), and sports performance (e.g., Iowa Sportsmedicine). These can offer higher pay for specialized skills and a more entrepreneurial environment.

Insider Tip: The best jobs are often not publicly posted. Join the Iowa Physical Therapy Association (IPTA) and attend local networking events. Many positions at Mercy or St. Luke’s are filled through internal referrals before hitting job boards.

Getting Licensed in Iowa

Licensing is managed by the Iowa Board of Physical Therapy. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited PT program (DPT).
2. Examination: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTs.
3. Jurisprudence: Pass the Iowa Jurisprudence Exam (online, open-book).
4. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a state and federal criminal background check.
5. Application: Submit a complete application to the Iowa Board with fees.

Timeline & Costs:

• NPTE Exam Fee: ~$485 (paid to the FSBPT).
• Iowa Jurisprudence Exam Fee: ~$50.
• State License Application Fee: $170 (current fee, subject to change).
• Background Check Fee: ~$50.
• Total Initial Cost (excluding education): Approximately $755.

The timeline can vary, but a typical sequence is:

1. Graduate (May).
2. Apply for and take the NPTE (as early as July).
3. Once you pass the NPTE, you can immediately apply to the Iowa Board.
4. The Iowa Board processing time is typically 4-8 weeks after receiving a complete application.

Reciprocity: Iowa is part of the PT Compact, which allows licensed PTs from other compact member states to practice in Iowa more easily. If you're licensed in another compact state, the process is faster and cheaper. Always check the Iowa Board's website for the most current information.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Where you live impacts your commute, lifestyle, and social life. Here’s a local’s guide to neighborhoods.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Approx. 1BR Rent	Best For...
NewBo / Czech Village	Trendy, walkable, historic. Close to downtown, Mercy Hospital, and new clinics. Great restaurants and markets.	$900 - $1,400	Young professionals, foodies, those who want to be in the heart of the action.
Boulevard Park	Quiet, established, tree-lined. Close to St. Luke’s Hospital and the Veterans Memorial Hospital. More residential.	$700 - $1,000	Families, those seeking a quiet, established community with easy access to hospitals.
Marion (East of CR)	Suburban, family-friendly, excellent schools. Slightly longer commute (10-15 mins) to downtown clinics.	$750 - $1,100	PTs with families or those wanting more space for the money. Strong community feel.
Hiawatha (North of CR)	Similar to Marion, modern suburbs. Home to the Lindale Mall area and many chain restaurants. Very convenient.	$700 - $1,000	Practical, commuter-focused PTs who want modern amenities and a short drive to work.
West Side (near Collins Rd)	Mix of older and newer homes. Close to UnityPoint St. Luke’s, Coralville, and easy highway access.	$650 - $950	Those working on the west side or at UI Health Care clinics. Good value.

Insider Tip: If you work at Mercy or a clinic downtown, living in NewBo can be a bikeable or even walkable commute in good weather. For St. Luke's or OSOA clinics on the west side, look at the West Side or Marion for the shortest drives.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A career in Cedar Rapids is a marathon, not a sprint, but the path to advancement is clear and rewarding.

Specialty Premiums: While not always a formal "premium," specialization drastically increases your value and salary potential. In Cedar Rapids:

• Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): Highly valued in outpatient sports and private practice. Can push you into the $110,000+ range.
• Pelvic Health Specialist: A huge need with few providers. Those with this certification can command top-tier salaries and build their own patient base.
• Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS): Needed at Mercy’s inpatient rehab and UI Health Care’s neuro clinics. Stable hospital salary, but with excellent benefits.
• Pediatric PT: In demand at clinics like Therapy Works and within school systems. Pay can be slightly lower than outpatient ortho, but the work-life balance is often better.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Most hospital systems (Mercy, St. Luke’s) have a clinical ladder. You move from PT I to PT II to PT III based on experience, certifications, and leadership. Each step comes with a raise (~$3,000-$7,000).
2. Management: Become a PT Manager of an outpatient clinic or a supervisor in an inpatient department. This requires leadership skills and often an MBA or MHA, but it’s the path to $120,000+.
3. Education: Become a clinical instructor for DPT students from St. Ambrose University or the University of Iowa. Some PTs transition to full-time academic roles.
4. Entrepreneurship: Open your own cash-based practice (e.g., pelvic health, performance training). Cedar Rapids has a supportive small-business community, though it requires significant upfront investment and marketing.

10-Year Outlook: The 14% job growth over the next decade is promising. The aging population will ensure steady demand for rehab services. The key will be differentiation. PTs who master telehealth, cash-based models, or niche specialties will see the highest earnings and most autonomy. The hospital jobs will remain stable, but the private practice and home health sectors are where you’ll see the most innovation and potential for higher, uncapped earnings.

The Verdict: Is Cedar Rapids Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living. Your $96,718 salary goes far. Home ownership is attainable.	Limited "Big City" Amenities. You won't find the same concert, food, or shopping scene as Minneapolis, Chicago, or Des Moines.
Stable Job Market. 271 jobs and 14% growth provide security. Major employers offer great benefits.	Weather. Winters are long, cold, and gray. Summers can be hot and humid.
Strong Sense of Community. Easy to get involved, network, and build a life. Traffic is minimal.	Political & Social Landscape. Iowa is a red state in a blue county (Linn). Can be a cultural adjustment.
Central Location. Easy drives to Chicago (3.5 hrs), Minneapolis (2.5 hrs), and Iowa City (45 mins).	Fewer Specialties. While growing, you won't find the same depth of niche fellowships as in major academic centers.
Great for Outdoor Lovers. Extensive trail system (Cedar Valley Nature Trail), parks, and nearby lakes.	"Big Fish in a Small Pond" Effect. Your professional network will be tight-knit, which can be great or limiting.

Final Recommendation:
Cedar Rapids is an excellent choice for Physical Therapists who prioritize financial stability, a manageable cost of living, and a strong sense of community over the relentless hustle of a major metropolis. It’s ideal for:

• New grads looking to pay down debt aggressively.
• PTs looking to buy a home and start a family without being house-poor.
• Specialists in high-demand fields like pelvic health or orthopedics who can build a robust practice.
• Those who value work-life balance and weekend access to nature and low-stress living.

If you crave the anonymity and endless options of a coastal city, you may feel constrained. But if you want a career where your salary affords you a comfortable life and your skills are genuinely needed in the community, Cedar Rapids is a hidden gem in the Midwest.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for new PT graduates?
It's moderately competitive. The 271 jobs are stable, but new grads are competing with experienced PTs for the best positions. Having a clinical rotation in the area or a strong network through the IPTA can be a significant advantage. Hospital residency programs (Mercy, St. Luke’s) are a fantastic entry point but are selective.

2. Do I need a car in Cedar Rapids?
Yes, unequivocally. Public transportation exists but is limited. The city is spread out, and most clinics and hospitals are in suburban areas not served by efficient public transit. A car is a necessity for commuting, grocery shopping, and enjoying the broader region.

3. What’s the PT community like in Cedar Rapids?
It’s active and supportive. The Iowa Physical Therapy Association (IPTA) has a strong local